correcting
tongue & Lip tie

When should my baby have a frenotomy?

A frenotomy (surgical release of a tie, also known as a frenectomy or frenulectomy) is recommended in the presence of symptomatic tongue tie. The symptoms caused by a symptomatic tongue-tie vary depending on the age of the person. Symptomatic tongue-tie is diagnosed on a case-by-case basis; there is no routine protocol for diagnosis and it CAN NOT be diagnosed simply by looking.

 

Common symptoms seen in a breastfeeding dyad when baby has a tongue tie:

 

Mom’s Symptoms

• • Creased, flattened, lipstick shaped, and/or blanched nipples after nursing
• • Cracked, bruised, and/or blistered nipples
• • Bleeding nipples
• • Severe pain when latching or attempting to latch
• • Severe pain once latched
• • Poor or incomplete breast drainage
• • Plugged ducts
• • Nipple or breast infections
• • Mastitis
• • Thrush on nipples
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Baby’s Symptoms

• • Slides off the nipple while attempting to latch
• • Poor latch
• • Falls asleep quickly while attempting to nurse
• • Gumming or chewing of the nipples while nursing
• • Clicking sounds while nursing
• • Milk leaking from the sides of mouth while nursing
• • Swallowing problems
• • Short sleep episodes requiring feeding every 2-3 hours
• • Unable to hold a pacifier in the mouth
• • Colic symptoms
• • Reflux / vomiting/spitting up
• • Gas
• • Taking prescribed or over the counter reflux / gas medications
• • High gag reflex
• • Open mouth breathing
• • Breathing sounds (snoring, snorting, general noisy breathing)
• • Breathing problems/sleep apnea
• • Congestion
• • Jaw spasms
• • Poor weight gain
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What happens during a frenotomy?

The long term goal of a frenotomy is to allow optimal oral function and prevent oral dysfunction. Dr. Coleman uses a 980nm Sirona diode laser for tie releases due to its ability for precision, bleeding control, as well as decreased pain. Parents will escort their child to the clinical area and are encouraged to stay during the procedure if they choose (its encouraged to do so!). A thorough examination will be completed to determine if any restrictive tissues are present. Treatment options are then discussed and procedures explained in detail. Once consent is given, your child will be placed in a swaddle and given protective eye wear. The doctor will treat each site as needed and then mother and baby are encouraged to feed right away. We provide several nursing aids to help with comfort. Post-operative exercises are then explained in detail while your baby nurses.

PLEASE SEE AFTERCARE

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